How to Create a User Profile on Nintendo Switch

Setting up a unique user profile on your Nintendo Switch is essential for multiple players to maintain separate save data and personalized settings on a single console. This article provides a straightforward walkthrough for adding a new user, selecting an avatar, and optionally linking a Nintendo Account to access online services and the eShop.

Why Create Multiple User Profiles

Each user profile on the Nintendo Switch operates independently regarding save data and game progress. If you share your console with family members or friends, creating separate profiles ensures that one person’s progress in a game does not overwrite another’s. Additionally, individual profiles allow for personalized friend lists and distinct play activity logs.

Steps to Add a New User

To begin the process, turn on your Nintendo Switch and navigate to the Home Menu. Select the System Settings icon, which looks like a gear, located at the bottom of the screen. Scroll down the menu on the left side and select Users.

Once you are in the Users menu, choose the Add User option. The system will prompt you to select how you want to add the user. Choose Create New User to start a fresh profile. You will be asked to select an icon for the profile from a wide variety of characters and images. After choosing an icon, you will be prompted to enter a nickname for the profile using the on-screen keyboard.

Linking a Nintendo Account

After setting the icon and nickname, the console will ask if you want to link a Nintendo Account. This step is optional but recommended if you plan to use online multiplayer, access the Nintendo eShop, or back up save data to the cloud.

If you choose to link an account, select Sign In and Link. You can sign in using an existing account or create a new one directly from the console. If you prefer to use the profile offline without online features, select Link Later. You can always link a Nintendo Account to the profile at a later date through the User settings menu.

Finalizing and Managing Profiles

Once the setup is complete, the new user profile will appear on the Home Menu. You can switch between profiles by selecting the user icon in the top-left corner of the screen. To manage existing profiles, return to System Settings and select Users. From here, you can edit profile information, transfer user data to another console, or delete a user profile entirely if it is no longer needed. Keep in mind that deleting a user profile will also delete all associated save data that is not backed up to the cloud.